Avoid Why questions. Too often they put people on the defensive and frequently produce the answers, “I don’t know.” or “Because”

Encourage AnswersPurpose: Engage participants in the discussion,

Extroverts talk to think. Image – the microwave

Introverts think before they talk. Image – the crock pot.

Give participants time to write out their answers before sharing them.

Use the RefrigeratorPurpose: Have a place for off topic ideas to be remembered so that the group focus stays on the agreed upon agenda items.

Ask people to write their off topic ideas and questions on post-its and place them on a refrigerator flip chart.

Make sure to read and address the during breaks and/or at the end of the day. If time does not allow this during the session, identify a person to follow up each post after the session and report back to the individual or group.